Meet the Staff of EMBDC
President
Wade Jones
Wade has served as president of the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, the chamber/economic development organization for Meridian and Lauderdale County, since 2001. Before joining the EMBDC, he worked in several positions to enable and improve business across the State of Mississppi. Read More
Business Development Manager
Sean Partridge
In October 2011, Sean began working for the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation as Business Development Manager. In his role, Partridge will work closely with the Existing Business and Industry Committee in conducting plant visitations, cluster meetings, plant managers meetings and vocational training programs. Read more
Manager of Operations
Sheri Rush
Sheri has been Manager of Operations for the EMBDC since September 1999. In her role, she is responsible for all financial aspects for the EMBDC as well as various organizations affiliated with the EMBDC. Read more
Manager of Chamber of Commerce
Michele Thames
Michele was brought on as the Manager of the Chamber of Commerce in January 2011. In her role, she administers all aspects of the Chamber and Chamber-sponsored events such as Business After Hours and Business Before Hours events. Read more
Executive Assistant to the President
Sharon Romano
In her role as Executive Assistant to the President, Sharon maintains the corporate calendar, schedules appointments, coordinates all travel arrangements, maintains the membership database and provides staff support for EMBDC committees. Read More
Public Relations Coordinator
Meredith Rea
In 2010, Meredith joined the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation as Public Relations Coordinator. She coordinates events and media coverage for the EMBDC while continuing to maintain a connection between businesses and local government. Read more
Receptionist
Gladys Waters
Ms. Waters, a native Meridian, greets everyone who visits the EMBDC. She has been with the Chamber since June 1994.